Tokyo Skytree opens in Japan

The world’s second tallest structure opened to the public in Japan on Tuesday, attracting thousands of people to behold the spectacular view of the capital from a height of 634 metres (2,080 ft).

Japan hopes the new attraction will help promote tourism, after the number of tourists fell 27.8% from 6.22 million in the previous year following the earthquake and tsunami which triggered the nuclear crisis, according to the the Japan National Tourist Organisation.

The Tokyo Skytree surpasses the 600-metre Canton Tower in China and 553-metre CN Tower in Toronto, but comes second to the 838-metre Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Strong winds and heavy rain threatened to dim the opening as operators decided to stop two lifts that connect the base to the observation deck, leaving hundreds of visitors stranded for half an hour, but the gloomy weather didn’t rival the scenic view from the sky for attention. The tower is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to counter earthquakes.